Dallas Mavericks History - 1997
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January 2
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Charlotte 97-107 -10 JJ/CG 22 Gatling 13 Rice 37
Game #28, current record: 10-18, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
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January 4
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Portland 104-110 -6 Gatling 24 AG/EM 12 Sabonis 33
Game #29, current record: 10-19, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
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January 6
Released Erick Strickland. Strickland was re-signed 40 days later.
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January 7
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @New York 72-102 -30 Jackson 20 Jackson 7 Starks 21
Game #30, current record: 10-20, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
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January 8
Activated Fred Roberts and placed Samaki Walker on IR with a sprained
left ankle. Roberts had missed 30 days (12 games) with a sprained
left elbow. Walker was activated 40 days (17 games) later.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Philadelphia 111-93 +18 McCloud 23 Finley 9 Iverson 22
Game #31, current record: 11-20, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
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January 11
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Denver 104-99 +5 CG/GM 21 Green 9 LEllis 28
Game #32, current record: 12-20, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58
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January 13
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Phoenix 98-105 -7 Gatling 22 AG/MF 7 Ceballos 26
Game #33, current record: 12-21, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
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January 15
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Orlando 66-78 -12 DH/JJ 12 Green 13 Hardaway 26
Game #34, current record: 12-22, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
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January 17
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Houston 78-88 -10 Mashburn 17 AG/OM 10 Olajuwon 26
Game #35, current record: 12-23, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
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January 18
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Denver 107-104 +3 Mashburn 27 Jackson 9 DEllis 24
Game #36, current record: 13-23, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
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January 20
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @LA Lakers 99-109 -10 Jackson 22 Green 10 Van_Exel 24
Game #37, current record: 13-24, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
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January 21
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Golden State 93-105 -12 Jackson 22 Gatling 9 Sprewell 46
Latrell Sprewell (GS) had 46 points, the 44th time a Mavs opponent had
40+ points.
Game #38, current record: 13-25, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
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January 24
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @San Antonio 87-97 -10 Gatling 25 Jackson 9 Wilkins 24
Game #39, current record: 13-26, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
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January 25
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W New Jersey 92-81 +11 Mashburn 21 Green 8 Gill 23
Game #40, current record: 14-26, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
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January 28
Suspended Chris Gatling for 1 game for insubordination. Gatling had walked
out of practice after not playing at the end of the previous game (which
Dallas won). Despite the suspension, Gatling was permitted to sit on the
bench (in street clothes) the next game.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L LA Lakers 83-102 -19 Mashburn 26 Miller 12 O'Neal 31
Chris Gatling (suspended) did not play.
Game #41, current record: 14-27, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
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January 30
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Minnesota 82-92 -10 Gatling 29 Gatling 18 Mitchell 21
Game #42, current record: 14-28, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
====
February 1
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Utah 100-97 +3 Harper 29 Gatling 12 Malone 36
Game #43, current record: 15-28, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
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February 4
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Sacramento 104-96 +8 Cassell 20 McCloud 9 Richmond 31
Game #44, current record: 16-28, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58
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February 7
Named Don Nelson as GM.
Released Oliver Miller. Miller had appeared in 42 games with Dallas.
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February 11
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L San Antonio 97-111 -14 Gatling 24 Gatling 13 Maxwell 34
Game #45, current record: 16-29, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
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February 13
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Golden State 99-107 -8 Gatling 19 Gatling 13 Sprewell 28
Game #46, current record: 16-30, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
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February 14
Traded Jamal Mashburn to Miami for Kurt Thomas, Sasha Danilovic, and
Martin Muursepp.
Released Fred Roberts. Roberts appeared in 12 games with Dallas.
----
February 15
Signed Erick Strickland to a 10-day contract.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Utah 84-99 -15 Jackson 19 Green 10 Hornacek 18
Game #47, current record: 16-31, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
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February 17
Traded Jim Jackson, Chris Gatling, Sam Cassell, George McCloud, and
Eric Montross to New Jersey for Shawn Bradley, Robert Pack, Khalid
Reeves, and Ed O'Bannon.
Activated Samaki Walker. Walker had missed 40 days (17 games) with
a sprained left ankle.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Vancouver 100-95 +5 MF/AG 21 Green 15 Reeves 27
Vancouver had 24 rebounds, setting the opponent record low for
fewest rebounds.
Game #48, current record: 17-31, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
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February 18
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @LA Clippers 69-87 -18 Finley 18 Green 11 Sealy 23
Game #49, current record: 17-32, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
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February 20
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Milwaukee 99-101 -2 Finley 33 Bradley 10 Baker 29
Game #50, current record: 17-33, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
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February 22
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Toronto 92-99 -7 MF/SD 20 Green 12 Christie 22
Sasha Danilovic suffered an ankle sprain at the end of the game.
He would miss the next 19 games due to the injury.
Derek Harper did not play due to a stomach virus (the 1st of 2 games
he missed due to the illness).
Game #51, current record: 17-34, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
----
Februray 23
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Phoenix 88-86 +2 Finley 20 Bradley 10 Ceballos 22
Derek Harper did not play due to a stomach virus (the 2nd of 2 games
he missed due to the illness).
Game #52, current record: 18-34, streak: won 1, final record: 24-58
----
February 25
Signed Erick Strickland for the rest of the season and placed Sasha
Danilovic on IR with a sprained left ankle. Danilovic was
activated 35 days (19 games) later.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Charlotte 86-84 +2 Finley 18 Green 15 Rice 29
Anthony Mason (Cha) had a triple-double with 15 points, 22 rebounds, and
10 assists. It was the 34th time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double.
It was also the 39th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds.
Game #53, current record: 19-34, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58
----
February 27
Signed Jason Sasser to a 10-day contract.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Minnesota(2OT) 105-107 -2 Stricklan 25 Green 17 Garnett 23
Game #54, current record: 19-35, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
====
March 1
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Houston 80-89 -9 Finley 14 Bradley 9 Willis 26
Game #55, current record: 19-36, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
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March 2
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Phoenix(OT) 108-109 -1 Finley 24 Green 14 Kidd 23
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 1st of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #56, current record: 19-37, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
----
March 4
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L LA Lakers 92-102 -10 Finley 23 Green 12 Van_Exel 37
Nick Van Exel (LAL) shot 8-15 3-pointers, tying the opponent record
for most 3-pointers made.
Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 1st of 4
games he missed due to the injury).
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 2nd of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #57, current record: 19-38, streak: lost 4; final record: 24-58
----
March 5
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Utah 65-96 -31 MF/SB 13 Bradley 12 Malone 20
Utah out-scored Dallas 49-24 in the 2nd half. 24 points set the
team record for fewest points in a half.
Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 2nd of 4
games he missed due to the injury).
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 3rd of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #58, current record: 19-39, streak: lost 5; final record: 24-58
----
March 7
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Portland 69-80 -11 Finley 17 Green 11 CRobinso 15
Shawn Bradley suffered a mild concussion in the 3rd quarter.
Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 3rd of 4
games he missed due to the injury).
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 4th of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #59, current record: 19-40, streak: lost 6; final record: 24-58
----
March 9
Elected not to sign Jason Sasser to a 2nd 10-day contract. Sasser
appeared in 2 games with Dallas.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Houston 83-88 -5 Finley 24 AG/SB 11 Willis 19
Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 4th of 4
games he missed due to the injury).
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 5th of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #60, current record: 19-41, streak: lost 7; final record: 24-58
----
March 11
Signed Jamie Watson to a 10-day contract.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W New York 91-83 +8 Finley 23 Finley 9 Oakley 16
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs. (the 6th of 9 games
he missed due to the injury).
The win ended an 11 game losing streak vs New York, with Dallas' last
win vs the Knicks occurring on 3/22/91.
Game #61, current record: 20-41, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
----
March 13
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Boston 109-107 +2 Bradley 31 Green 11 Wesley 34
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 7th of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #62, current record: 21-41, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58
----
March 15
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Phoenix 76-101 -25 Finley 26 Green 11 KJohnson 23
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 8th of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #63, current record: 21-42, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
----
March 16
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Sacramento 89-88 +1 Stricklan 21 Bradley 11 Richmond 26
Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 9th of 9 games he
missed due to the injury).
Game #64, current record: 22-42, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
----
March 18
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Washington 85-86 -1 Finley 18 Green 11 Webber 20
Erick Strickland severely sprained his right thumb. He would miss
the next 10 games due to the injury.
Game #65, current record: 22-43, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
----
March 20
Placed Erick Strickland on IR with a severely sprained right thumb.
Strickland was activated 19 days (10 games) later.
----
March 21
Signed Jamie Watson to a 2nd 10-day contract and signed Stevin Smith
to a 10-day contract.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Atlanta 72-93 -21 Bradley 17 Walker 7 Blaylock 20
Game #66, current record: 22-44, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
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March 22
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Cleveland 72-75 -3 Finley 22 Green 14 THill 24
Game #67, current record: 22-45, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
----
March 25
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Chicago 92-94 -2 Finley 28 Green 13 MJ/SK 20
Dennis Rodman (Chi) had 21 rebounds, the 40th time a Mavs opponent had 20+
rebounds and the 7th of 9 times Rodman had 20+ rebounds against Dallas.
Game #68, current record: 22-46, streak: lost 4; final record: 24-58
----
March 26
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Indiana 80-104 -24 Harper 19 Green 7 Hoiberg 21
Game #69, current record: 22-47, streak: lost 5; final record: 24-58
----
March 29
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Washington 87-94 -7 Finley 25 Green 11 Strickla 21
Samaki Walker suffered a sprained right foot during the 3rd quarter
and would miss the rest of the season due to the injury.
Game #70, current record: 22-48, streak: lost 6; final record: 24-58
----
March 30
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Cleveland 80-84 -4 Pack 23 Green 9 Brandon 19
Game #71, current record: 22-49, streak: lost 7; final record: 24-58
----
March 31
Signed Stevin Smith to a 2nd 10-day contract.
Jamie Watson elected not to sign with Dallas for the rest of the season
[and, thus, was no longer a Mav]. Watson appeared in 10 games with
Dallas.
====
April 1
Activated Sasha Danilovic. Danilovic had missed 35 days (19 games) with
a sprained left ankle.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Detroit 82-100 -18 MF/RP 15 Green 10 Hill 35
Game #72, current record: 22-50, streak: lost 8; final record: 24-58
----
April 3
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Golden State 90-106 -16 Harper 19 Green 8 Sprewell 25
Game #73, current record: 22-51, streak: lost 9; final record: 24-58
----
April 5
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Seattle 84-103 -19 Danilovic 18 Bradley 10 Payton 23
Game #74, current record: 22-52, streak: lost 10; final record: 24-58
----
April 6
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @LA Lakers 80-87 -7 Harper 18 Green 14 Fisher 21
The Lakers scored 26 straight points from 0:20 in the 2nd quarter to
3:09 in the 3rd quarter, the most consecutive points scored by an
opponent.
The Lakers out-scored Dallas 27-2 in the 3rd quarter, setting the
team and NBA record for fewest points in a quarter. Dallas shot 0-15
FG in the quarter with the only points coming off of 2 Derek Harper
free throws late in the quarter.
Game #75, current record: 22-53, streak: lost 11; final record: 24-58
----
April 8
Activated Erick Strickland and placed Samaki Walker on IR with a sprained
right foot. Strickland had missed 19 days (10 games) with a sprained
right thumb. Walker would miss the rest of the season (7 games) due to
the injury.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Portland 87-82 +5 Danilovic 22 Green 14 CRobinso 15
Game #76, current record: 23-53, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
----
April 10
Signed Stacey King to a 10-day contract and released Stevin Smith. Smith
appeared in 8 games with Dallas.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Seattle 82-90 -8 Finley 25 Bradley 8 Hawkins 17
Game #77, current record: 23-54, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
----
April 12
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Vancouver 85-96 -11 Pack 22 Bradley 13 A.-Rahim 30
First loss to Vancouver as Dallas had won the first 7 games.
Game #78, current record: 23-55, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
----
April 14
Named Terdema as President and CEO.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L LA Clippers 93-99 -6 Bradley 32 Bradley 16 Martin 21
Game #79, current record: 23-56, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58
----
April 15
Released Greg Dreiling. Dreiling appeared in 40 games in 96-97 with Dallas
[was also with the Mavs during 93-94].
----
April 16
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Minnesota 92-77 +15 Finley 19 Green 14 Garnett 16
Game #80, current record: 24-56, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58
----
April 18
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Houston(OT) 102-112 -10 Danilovic 23 Green 13 Drexler 27
Game #81, current record: 24-57, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58
----
April 19
Finished the 1996-97 season with a record of 24-58.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Denver 95-100 -5 Bradley 25 Bradley 16 Hammonds 24
Ervin Johnson (Den) had a 20-20 with 21 points and 26 rebounds. It was
the 22nd time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 6th time a Mavs
opponent had 25+ rebounds.
Game #82, current record: 24-58, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58
----
April 22
Samaki Walker underwent surgery on his right foot to repair a stress
fracture.
----
April 23
Fired assistant coach Lanny Van Eman.
====
May 13
Named Keith Grant as director of player personnel. Grant was signed to a
3 year contract.
Extended head scout Ron Ekker's contract by 3 years.
----
May 29
Kurt Thomas underwent successful surgery on his re-fractured right ankle
to get a bone graft and have new screws inserted.
====
June 1
Sasha Danilovic exercised the early termination option of his contract and
became a free agent. He then signed with Buckler Bologna of the Italian
League.
----
June 25
The NBA draft occurred. Dallas selected:
Round Pick Player
1st 15 Kelvin Cato
2nd 35 Bubba Wells
Draft day trade: Traded the rights to 1st round draft pick (#15) Kelvin Cato
to Portland for the rights to 1st round draft pick Chris Anstey (#18) and
money.
====
July 25
Reached an agreement with Erick Strickland for a new 6 year, $13.5 million
contract with a player opt-out clause after the 4th year. The contract
was not actually signed until 8/18/97 (due to the moratorium while the
new salary cap was being computed).
====
August 18
Re-signed Erick Strickland to a 6 year, $14.4 million contract
with a player opt-out clause after the 4th season.
Formally renounced their rights to Sasha Danilovic. Danilovic
had signed with Buckler Bologna of the Italian League on 6/1/97.
----
August 26
Ted Davis resigned as the Mavs radio announcer.
====
September 4
Signed free agent Hubert Davis to a 6 year contract.
----
September 5
Signed free agent Hubert Davis to a 6 year, $4.5 million contract
with a player opt-out clause after the 3rd year.
----
September 19
Named Matt Pinto as radio voice of the Mavs.
----
September 24
Traded Derek Harper and Ed O'Bannon to Orlando for Dennis Scott
and $500,000. The $500,000 was donated to the Dallas Mavericks
Foundation.
====
October 1
Signed Michael Finley to a 5 year, $42 million extension with a
player opt-out clause the 3rd year.
----
October 2
Signed 2nd round draft pick Bubba Wells to a 2 year contract.
Signed Malcolm Mackey, Carlos Strong, Ace Custis, Ike Nwankwo,
Kevin Whitted, and Derrick Chandler to non-guaranteed 1 year
contracts. Only Custis (who tore his ACL during preseason) made
the opening day roster.
Named Sonny Allen as an assistant coach.
----
October 3
The city of Dallas, the Mavs, and the Stars reached an agreement
on a new arena. The city council voted on the agreement 5 days
later.
----
October 7
Signed Kevin Ollie to a 1 year, non-guaranteed contract.
----
October 8
The city council approved the new arena bill. There were still 2
more council votes needed by the city council before they gave
their final approval 12/10/97.
Released Derrick Chandler.
----
October 11
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Houston 103-104 -1 Scott 22 Bradley 17 Rhodes 18
----
October 12
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Utah 88-94 -6 Bradley 16 AC,AG,SW 8 SA,JV 16
at El Paso, Texas
----
October 15
Erick Strickland suffered a 2nd degree sprained right ankle early
in the 2nd quarter of the Vancouver game. He missed the rest of
the preseason due to the injury.
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Vancouver 79-83 -4 Pack 19 Bradley 17 A.-Rahim 21
at Rapid City, South Dakota
----
October 17
Robert Pack broke the ring finger on his right hand late in the
4th quarter of the preseason Phoenix game. He was out for the
next 2 months due to the injury.
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Phoenix 99-86 +13 Finley 21 Green 17 Kidd 19
----
October 18
Ace Custis suffered a torn ACL in the right knee in the 2nd quarter
of the Phoenix preseason game. He spent the entire season on IR
due to the injury.
----
October 21
Signed Adrian Caldwell to a 1 year, non-guaranteed contract.
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Houston 97-106 -9 Bradley 27 Green 11 Maloney 14
at Albuquerque, New Mexico
----
October 22
Released Malcolm Mackey.
Signed Reggie Freeman and Jerome Allen to 1 year, non-guaranteed
contracts. Both would be released before the season started.
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @San Antonio 69-112 -43 MF/HD 12 AG/SB 6 Robinson 22
----
October 24
Robert Pack underwent successful surgery on his fractured right
ring finger. He was out for the next 54 days due to the injury.
----
October 25
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Phoenix 75-89 -14 Finley 18 Green 13 KJohnson 19
----
October 27
Finished the 1997 preseason with a record of 1-7.
Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @New York 74-93 -19 Finley 16 Bradley 13 LJohnson 25
----
October 28
Released Jerome Allen, Ike Nwankwo, Carlos Strong, and Kevin Whitted.
----
October 30
Released Reggie Freeman.
Placed Ace Custis (torn right ACL), Martin Muursepp (sprained right
ankle), and Robert Pack (fractured right ring finger) on IR.
Custis missed the entire season due to his injury. Muursepp was
activated 25 days (12 games) later. Pack was activated 48 days (22
games) later.
----
October 31
Start of the 1997-98 season. Dallas would finish the season with a
record of 20-62.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Vancouver 90-88 +2 HDavis 18 Green 14 A.-Rahim 31
Game #1, current record: 1-0, streak: won 1; final record: 20-62
====
November 1
Missed all 10 3-pointers attempted, the most 3-pointers missed
without a make.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W @Seattle 89-81 +8 Finley 20 Bradley 14 DEllis 15
Missed all 10 3-pointers attempted, the most 3-pointers missed without
a make.
Game #2, current record: 2-0, streak: won 2; final record: 20-62
----
November 3
Signed 1st round draft pick Chris Anstey to a 3 year, $2,956,000
contract.
Released Adrian Caldwell. Caldwell appeared in 1 game with Dallas.
----
November 4
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Vancouver 92-87 +5 Finley 29 Green 13 A.-Rahim 28
Game #3, current record: 3-0, streak: won 3; final record: 20-62
----
November 5
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Charlotte 103-110 -7 Reeves 24 Green 12 Rice 28
Game #4, current record: 3-1, streak: lost 1; final record: 20-62
----
November 6
Ace Custis underwent successful surgery on his torn ACL. He missed
the entire season due to the injury.
----
November 8
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Portland 94-101 -7 Bradley 26 Bradley 12 Anderson 28
Game #5, current record: 3-2, streak: lost 2; final record: 20-62
----
November 11
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L LA Lakers 96-118 -22 Scott 27 Green 16 O'Neal 37
Game #6, current record: 3-3, streak: lost 3; final record: 20-62
----
November 13
Kurt Thomas fractured his right ankle during the Philadelphia game
(though he didn't know exactly when he fractured it). He missed
the rest of the season due to the injury.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Philadelphia 98-99 -1 Bradley 20 Bradley 13 Iverson 31
Game #7, current record: 3-4, streak: lost 4; final record: 20-62
----
November 14
The Dallas city council approved the arena issue to put it to a
public vote in January (still another city council vote was needed
(and passed)). The proposed site for the new arena was announced
as the site of the old TU Electric plant off of I-35 just north of
Woodall Rogers.
----
November 15
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Utah 77-85 -8 Finley 21 Bradley 14 Malone 26
Game #8, current record: 3-5, streak: lost 5; final record: 20-62
----
November 17
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Portland 75-120 -45 Scott 12 DS/AW 7 Sabonis 24
Game #9, current record: 3-6, streak: lost 6; final record: 20-62
----
November 18
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Sacramento 95-102 -7 DS/AG 20 Green 13 CWilliam 20
Game #10, current record: 3-7, streak: lost 7; final record: 20-62
----
November 20
A.C. Green set the NBA consecutive games played record at 907
during the game vs Golden State. Green broke Randy Smith's record
of 906. The game was paused 2 minutes in and the Mavs held a
ceremony where they raised a banner with GREEN 907 on it to the
rafters (and hung in the rafters for the rest of the season).
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Golden State(OT) 97-101 -4 Scott 33 Bradley 17 Sprewell 28
Game #11, current record: 3-8, streak: lost 8; final record: 20-62
----
November 22
Lost to Milwaukee 62-83. 62 points set the team record for fewest
points in a game.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Milwaukee 62-83 -21 Finley 12 Bradley 14 Brandon 18
62 points set the team record for fewest points in a game.
Game #12, current record: 3-9, streak: lost 9; final record: 20-62
----
November 24
Activated Martin Muursepp and placed Kurt Thomas on IR with a
re-fractured right ankle. Muursepp had missed 25 days (12 games)
with a sprained right ankle. Thomas missed the rest of the season
due to his injury.
----
November 25
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L San Antonio 91-102 -11 Finley 20 Bradley 10 Robinson 22
Game #13, current record: 3-10, streak: lost 10; final record: 20-62
----
November 28
Shawn Bradley suffered a moderate tear of the calf muscle in his
left leg during the Toronto games. He missed the next 32 days (14
games) due to the injury.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W Toronto 93-91 +2 Scott 21 Green 14 Christie 27
Game #14, current record: 4-10, streak: won 1; final record: 20-62
----
November 29
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @San Antonio 87-96 -9 Finley 35 Finley 9 Robinson 18
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 1st
of 14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #15, current record: 4-11, streak: lost 1; final record: 20-62
====
December 2
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Atlanta 79-112 -33 Finley 18 Walker 15 Smith 28
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 2nd of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #16, current record: 4-12, streak: lost 2; final record: 20-62
----
December 4
Fired head coach Jim Cleamons and assistants Butch Beard and Sonny
Allen. Assistants Charlie Parker and Bob Salmi retained their jobs.
Cleamons was named as coach 5/31/96. Cleamons finished with a
regular season record of 28-70 (.286) (no playoffs) with Dallas.
Named GM Don Nelson as head coach. Nelson would resign 3/19/05 as
coach. Nelson would finished with a regular season record of
339-251 (.575) and a playoff record of 19-24 (.442) with Dallas.
Named director of scouting Ron Ekker and injured player Kurt Thomas
as assistant coaches.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 W New York 105-91 +14 Finley 27 Green 11 Ewing 20
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 3rd of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #17, current record: 5-12, streak: won 1; final record: 20-62
----
December 6
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Houston 106-108 -2 Finley 35 Finley 7 Barkley 19
played in Mexico City
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 4th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #18, current record: 5-13, streak: lost 1; final record: 20-62
----
December 8
Named Scott Roth as Director of Scouting.
----
December 9
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L LA Clippers 92-99 -7 Reeves 28 Green 7 Martin 18
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 5th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #19, current record: 5-14, streak: lost 2; final record: 20-62
----
December 10
The Dallas city council gave their final vote of approval for the
new arena. All the council hurdles were then passed. The last step
for approval to build a new arena was for the citizens of Dallas to
vote on raising the hotel and car rental taxes. The vote took place
1/17/97.
----
December 11
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Orlando 90-100 -10 Finley 20 Walker 9 Price 18
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 6th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #20, current record: 5-15, streak: lost 3; final record: 20-62
----
December 12
Utah shot 23-53 FG, setting the opponent low for fewest field
goals made and setting the NBA record low for fewest field goals
attempted.
134 combined points is the lowest 2-team point total in team
history.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Utah 66-68 -2 MF/DS 21 Green 7 Malone 23
Utah shot 23-53 FG, setting the opponent low for fewest field goals
made and setting the NBA record low for fewest field goals attempted.
134 combined points is the lowest 2-team point total in team history.
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 7th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #21, current record: 5-16, streak: lost 4; final record: 20-62
----
December 14
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @LA Lakers 89-119 -30 MF/DS 18 Walker 8 Bryant 30
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 8th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #22, current record: 5-17, streak: lost 5; final record: 20-62
----
December 16
Activated Robert Pack and placed Erick Strickland on IR with an
sprained right ankle. Pack had missed 48 days (22 games) with a
fractured right ring finger. Strickland was activated 17 days (8
games) later.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Golden State 92-103 -11 Finley 26 AG/MF 10 Smith 28
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 9th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #23, current record: 5-18, streak: lost 6; final record: 20-62
----
December 17
Released Kevin Ollie. Ollie appeared in 16 games with Dallas.
Signed Eric Riley to a 1 year contract.
----
December 18
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Phoenix 75-89 -14 Pack 23 Walker 16 Robinson 17
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 10th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #24, current record: 5-19, streak: lost 7; final record: 20-62
----
December 20
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Sacramento 88-89 -1 Scott 21 Green 10 CWilliam 27
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 11th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #25, current record: 5-20, streak: lost 8; final record: 20-62
----
December 22
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @New York 67-79 -12 Scott 18 Green 9 Houston 19
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 12th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #26, current record: 5-21, streak: lost 9; final record: 20-62
----
December 23
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Cleveland 85-99 -14 Finley 29 Scott 10 Anderson 24
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 13th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #27, current record: 5-22, streak: lost 10; final record: 20-62
----
December 26
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L Washington 95-97 -2 Finley 23 Finley 10 Cheaney 21
Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 14th of
14 games he would miss due to the injury).
Game #28, current record: 5-23, streak: lost 11; final record: 20-62
----
December 29
Playing Hack-a-Rodman, Bubba Wells fouled out in a NBA record 3
minutes.
Michael Jordan (Chi) had 41 points, the 45th time a Mavs opponent
had 40+ points and the 3rd of 3 times Jordan had 40+ points against
Dallas.
Dennis Rodman (Chi) had 27 rebounds, the 7th time a Mavs opponent
had 25+ rebounds and the 8th of 9 times Rodman had 20+ rebounds
against Dallas.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Chicago 105-111 -6 Finley 23 Bradley 10 Jordan 41
Playing Hack-a-Rodman, Bubba Wells fouled out in a NBA record 3
minutes.
Michael Jordan had 41 points, the 45th time a Mavs opponent had 40+
points and the 3rd of 3 times Jordan had 40+ points against Dallas.
Dennis Rodman had 27 rebounds, the 7th time a Mavs opponent had 25+
rebounds and the 8th of 9 times Rodman had 20+ rebounds against Dallas.
Game #29, current record: 5-24, streak: lost 12; final record: 20-62
----
December 30
Dallas and Don Nelson have reached an agreement on a 2 year coaching
contract, under which Nelson would coach through the 1999-2000
season. Nelson was coaching under his 5 year, $7.2 million GM
contract. The 2 year coaching contract was worth about $6 million,
which Nelson would receive in addition to his GM salary.
Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent
Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer
1997 L @Milwaukee(OT) 98-105 -7 Finley 23 Green 13 Robinson 32
Game #30, current record: 5-25, streak: lost 13; final record: 20-62
====